History of a Failure

What [Hazrat Ali] thus is telling us, is that we find knowledge best by admitting first what it is we do not know, and by opening our minds to what others can teach us.…

But accessing knowledge, is only the first step. The second step—the application of knowledge, is also demanding. Knowledge, after all, can be used well or poorly—for good or evil purposes…

Throughout history, the application of knowledge has often been determined by a few powerful rulers—or by highly dominant governments. But I believe the hour is passing for these outmoded, top-heavy ways of deciding how knowledge should be utilized.

—Address by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Commencement Ceremony of the American University in Cairo June 15, 2006

Appraisal at AKMSS

This was the announcement for the AKMSS staff appraisal process that was posted on 10 March 2006. A second page listed the appraisers. Staff to be appraised were issued copies of the appraisal form, developed primarily by John Forbes, the then-IB Coordinator. Of particular note on this form is the Rating Scale (see page 2 of the form). The ratings include the following:

At the top is a rating of 9. Exceptional/Outstanding/Distinguished, which is described as “One of a kind teacher, a star, who brings magic into the classroom and contributes wholeheartedly to the life of the school...”

Further down is a rating of 7. Good, which is described as “Competent within and outside the classroom; liked by students, colleagues, supervisors and parents; losing him/her would be a loss to the school.”